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Roadcheck 2013: Hundreds Of Truckers Pulled Over For Surprise Inspections

LARGO, Md. (WJZ) -- Hundreds of truck drivers made an unexpected stop at FedEx Field. Normally the home of the Washington Redskins, Tuesday, it was "Roadcheck 2013" that was being played out.

Alex DeMetrick has more.

Trucks of all shapes and sizes were directed off the Capital Beltway into the parking lots of FedEx Field in Prince George's County. Waiting for them were inspectors from the state police, looking for more than the mechanical defects that could violate safety laws.

"We'll check the drivers, make sure they're qualified, that they're medically qualified, that their licenses are good, that they're not wanted on any warrants," said Maryland State Police Captain Norman Dofflemeyer. "Then we'll go to the vehicle and do a comprehensive nuts and bolts, front to back."

From basics like working lights to critical systems. Compromised brake systems are the most common failing.

"Most of the trucks we inspect are very good trucks. The industry's been doing a good job. We're just trying to get to the ones who don't want to do a good job," Dofflemeyer said.

This inspection site is just one of 2,500 being staged across the country.

"To not only ensure that vehicles and drivers are complying with the law but that they operate safely on our roads," said Major Mark Savage, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance states this annual event. Called "Roadcheck 2013," over the past 26 years, it has screened more than a million trucks.

"It's holding me up a little bit but it's something the state police do around the country as well. It's not just here but it's to help us stay safe," said trucker Justin Greene.

And if there are fixes needed, trucks don't leave until they're done.

Roadcheck 2013 will span the next two days in other states. Because it takes a lot of people to pull off, it concluded in Maryland Tuesday afternoon.

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